Clear is the air in Kilauea,
Tranquil Wahine-kapu’s plain—
The Woman, why silent her voice?
Hiiaka now made common cause with the group of sisters and relatives who were bent on securing for her justice and fair treatment. Among them, taking council together, sat Ka-moho-alii, Kane-milo-hai, Kapo and Pohakau[6]. By this action Hiiaka took a new attitude: while not coming out in open defiance to her sister, she virtually declared her determination no longer to be domineered over by Pele.
In the council that took place it was determined that Ka-moho-alii, who stood high in Pele’s regards and whose authority was second only to hers, was the proper one to approach Pele in the matter of conferring upon Hiiaka the necessary mana. When, therefore, Pele put to Hiiaka the question why she had returned, why she was not on her journey, Ka-moho-alii spoke up and said, “It is because of fear she has returned. She sees danger by the way. You have not given her the mana to protect her from the dragons and monsters that infest the road. O Mo’o-lau ke ala, e: The way is beset by dragons four hundred.”
“Ah, that is the trouble?” said Pele. Then she called upon the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, Wind, Rain, Thunder, Lightning—all the heavenly powers—to aid and safeguard Hiiaka and she authorized her to exercise the powers of these heavenly beings. The gods, thereupon, ratified this act of Pele; and at last the way was made clear for Hiiaka’s departure.
[1] Ua, rain. It is suggested this may refer—sarcastically—to the watery secretion in Pele’s eyes, as found in old people. [↑]
[2] Ina, here means consider. [↑]
[3] Loiloi. If a chief was not pleased or satisfied with a gift, loiloi would express his state of mind. [↑]